'Stand still more' - Lionel Messi gave David Ruiz key piece of advice before Inter Miami teenager's goal en route to historic Leagues Cup win

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has wasted little time in becoming a talismanic presence for the MLS outfit, with an immediate impact made since moving to the United States as a free agent. Messi registered 10 goals through seven appearances for Inter Miami as they claimed a historic first trophy in the inaugural Leagues Cup.

Honduras U20 international Ruiz played his part in that triumph, as he netted in a resounding 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Union at the semi-final stage, and he has credited Messi with helping him to master the art of making a decisive contribution.

Ruiz has told reporters of picking the brains of the all-time great that he now works alongside: “One thing Messi told me is to stand still more. You want to run for every ball, look for space to have it more, but he has told me to stay still in my position and the ball will come to me. I tried it and it came off. I was more patient.”

Messi has, particularly in more recent times after reaching 36 years of age, learned to save his energy for when it matters most – with the mercurial Argentine having showed during a triumphant World Cup campaign at Qatar 2022 how effective he can be when bursting into life against opponents that are lured into a false sense of security.